Activist Boniface Mwangi has resurfaced in Ukunda, Kwale County, after being deported from Tanzania, where he had been detained under unclear circumstances.
The activist was reportedly deported from Tanzania by road and abandoned at the coastal town of Ukunda early Thursday morning, May 22.
The development was confirmed by a spokesperson from the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, but offered no further details.
Following his return, Mwangi was immediately taken to a hospital for a medical check-up, according to his family.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs had claimed that Kenyan government officials had been denied access to activist Boniface Mwangi.
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In a letter addressed to Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministry expressed concern over Mwangi's health and well-being.
"The ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr. Mwangi.
"The ministry is also concerned about his health, overall well-being, and the absence of information regarding please detention," the letter read.
As such, the Kenyan government has urged Tanzanian authorities to facilitate consular access to the activist or his release.
"The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully advises the government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr. Mwangi in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms," the letter further read.
Mwangi is among activists who had travelled to Tanzania to observe court proceedings of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who is charged with treason.
On Monday morning, May 19, he claimed that his life is in danger after unidentified armed men showed up outside his hotel room in Dar es Salaam.
In a series of social media posts, Mwangi said that the men refused to identify themselves despite claiming to be law enforcement officers.
"My life is in danger. I'm at Serena Hotel, Dar es Salaam, and there are armed men in civilian clothes outside my room. They claim they are police officers, but they have refused to identify themselves. They will have to break the door to remove me here. I'm not going to open it," he said.
Mwangi expressed fear for his life, citing the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
"I'm scared for my life because there is a lot of abduction in this country; a lot of executions, and people are in jail for resisting President Samia Suluhu's dictatorship. That's why I can't open this door," he added.
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